Married 47 years, the New Springville couple perfectly compliment each other and are athletic to the hilt. Both work out weekly at the Synergy Fitness Club in New Springville.

Morand, 76, goes three times a week, while the adorable Mrs. Morand, 71, goes every day, either working out with weights or taking Zumba classes. "They call me 'Wonder Woman,'" she said. "Whenever they see one of the younger women leaning to the side [the instructors say], 'Look at Betty back there, Why don't you keep up with Betty?'"

"We are active people," added Morand. "We don't do a lot of sitting around, we are not couch potatoes."

The couple are now taking their first run at the Olympics, to be held Sept. 14-19. Employing the slogan, "Use it or lose it," the games invite those ages 50 and older to participate in 21 competitions to win gold, silver or bronze medals.

The Morands said they signed on because their good friends, the new Olympics chairs, Paul and Mary Ann Stallone, asked them. All four enjoyed country dancing together and are longtime members of the Staten Island Ballroom Dancers.

In addition, Mrs. Morand and Mrs. Stallone have long studied together at Dance New York in Port Richmond. "We studied all different styles of dancing -- jazz, hip-hop, many different styles of dancing, even a little ballet. We've been going there over the years," said Mrs. Morand.

For the Olympics, the couple will compete in square dancing and miniature golf.

"We are doing this to have fun, not for the athletic achievement," noted Morand. "If we get a little souvenir made out of anything, I don't care if we win. We want to just to be there and be part of it and enjoy it."

For 37 years, Morand was a schoolteacher in New York City, teaching for 10 years in parochial schools and for 27 years in city public schools.

Mrs. Morand was a laboratory technician who worked for four years at the former Willowbrook State School before she became a stay-at-home mother.

A marvelous piano player, Morand is also a veteran Island music director. He is currently the music director and organist at St. Teresa's R.C. Church, Castleton Corners, a position he's held for the 17 years. He also is choral director of the annual Christmas Show at the St. George Theatre.

Born in Detroit, Mich., Morand was a seminarian at the Sacred Heart Seminary in Detroit.

"I was on the road to the priesthood," he said, but realized that wasn't his true calling.

He came to New York on a scholarship to the Pius X School of Liturgical Music, but then became involved in teaching music education. He earned a bachelor's degree in English from St. John's University at its former Brooklyn campus, then received his master's degree in organ and music education from Columbia University Teachers College.

Born in West Brighton, Mrs. Morand graduated from McKee High School and the Mandl School for Medical Office Assistants.

Both were members of the former Staten Island Catholic Club; they met on June 14, 1966, during a club event at the Staaten. It also happened to be the future Mrs. Morand's birthday.

Morand recalled he was asked by someone if he knew how to play "Happy Birthday."

"With a master's degree in music, I better know," he responded. "Who's it for?"

"It's for Betty," was the answer.

"A pretty little blond lady was trailing behind me," said Morand.

"'Hi, Betty,' I said, then I sang 'Happy Birthday' and she's looking at me like she is right now. and that was the beginning of our relationship."

The couple married in January 1967. They are the parents of three children and the grandparents of five.

Morand won't let much stop him. He's endured some recent injuries, but the biggest episode came in January, when he collapsed while exercising at the Synergy Fitness Club.

Morand was taking his first-ever Beachbody insanity session, being taught by Eddie D'Anna, an editor at the Advance. Eight minutes into the warmup, Morand fell out. He was unconscious, turning blue and had no pulse. D'Anna did CPR and Morand regained consciousness. He was taken to Staten Island University Hospital in Ocean Breeze, where doctors determined that his heart stopped and he needed a pacemaker.

"Had it not been for Eddie," said a grateful Morand, "I wouldn't be here."

"We are more and more aware every day, when we go shopping or to the library or wherever we go, we see so many people using canes, walkers and wheelchairs, and much of it is because of physical inactivity brought on by the fact that they are not conscious of healthy food and a lifestyle that keeps them within bounds so they don't become obese or inactive, with strokes, diabetes and heart attacks, which are all waiting for people," he said.